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By GI.KIN H. MITCHELL K\l«'ii»i«tn S|M-«'iuli«l. r<»n«utn«'r h^Jumtiun V iri'ini.t Trrh «. I of Mono- hcoitomirs
Two things that alleviate the long, treacherous winter are basketball games and the garden catalogs. A response of almost ecstasy comes with every new garden catalog.
Despite being frustrated by the cold and bills from servicemen, the flashy colored ads bring a dimension that indicates there is going to be another great spring and summer.
For you who haven’t received your catalogs, it is getting late. Don’t deprive yourself of this psychic income. Roughly 45 percent of families will plant a garden.
You might want to check with the closest Virginia Cooperative Extension Service office for sources of seed that are compatible with your area. You may want to look into soil testing services, although time is getting late.
With a recession in progress, demand for quality seeds will be high. Many socalled new seed varieties, particularly compact growers, are coming on the market. A 1980 study done by the Gallup organization indicates food gardening is one of the top leisure activities among Americans outpacing golf, tennis and jogging. Flower gardening reportedly declined in 1980.
Over eight million households produce vegetables in containers either on the deck, patio or porch. A far larger number—.14 million households —produce vegetables on a typical plot of 663 square feet with a reported saving in the food budget of $440.
It is hard to figure returns as yields vary greatly as does the method used to show costs. Initial cost of equipment, seeds, plants, fertilizers, pesticides, soil improvement and water would make the first year costs somewhat heavy. Costs for subsequent years, however, will come down drastically.
In some cases, local groups have developed community gardens from vacant lots, utility right of ways, municipal and school grounds and church property. Today, over two
88.6%